PORT ST. LUCIE — D.R. Horton's project The Preserve cleared a final hurdle Monday night despite continued opposition by homeowners at nearby The Estates at Tradition subdivision because of grievances with the homebuilder.

The City Council unanimously approved the final plat creating 47 lots and roads, drainage facilities and open space on the 35.5 acres at the western end of Tradition Lakes Boulevard.

Several council members said they felt compelled to approve the ordinarily routine final plat based on a recommendation by Interim City Attorney Jim Stokes that D.R. Horton met the conditions for approval.

Mayor Greg Oravec likened the situation to "taxation without representation" during the council's Oct. 22 meeting, when the council delayed action on the final plat, but said he could no longer hold up approval.

Oravec warned D.R. Horton representatives the council would look closely at additional approvals the builder requested, and advised homeowners to file formal complaints about any potential code or legal violations during construction.

About 70 homeowners from The Estates showed up at the Oct. 22 meeting and several complained about D.R. Horton's unwillingness to hold meetings and communicate about a variety of issues, despite a condition the council set in May 2017 requiring regular meetings.

Several homeowners also complained the addition of The Preserve to their development would delay their takeover of the homeowners association, the associated fees and business decisions for their community. They also wanted a security gate fixed.

Deborah Ross, a lawyer representing The Estates at Tradition homeowners, called for another delay to allow homeowners more time to work with D.R. Horton, who met with them twice since the October meeting.

"It was the postponement of the final approval of the plat in October that we think really yielded meaningful communication with D.R. Horton," Ross said. "We still have a long way to go."

But there was no show of force Monday night. Only homeowner Reinhard Hack showed up to express the desire for more transparency by D.R. Horton.

Ed Stacker, a lawyer representing D.R. Horton, argued against another delay because the builder has held productive meetings with the homeowners and "time is money."

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Texas-based D.R. Horton plans to built 47 homes in The Preserve subdivision after receiving final plat approval from the Port St. Lucie City Council.(Photo: MOLLY BARTELS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)